MIAMI — Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Thursday said he supports the NBA’s decision not to suspend LaMelo Ball for the flagrant foul that injured Bam Adebayo earlier this week, calling additional sanctions unnecessary.
League officials ruled late Wednesday that Ball’s ankle grab on Adebayo during Tuesday’s 127-126 Charlotte win was a flagrant 2 violation worthy of ejection but did not rise to the level of a suspension. The Hornets guard was fined $35,000 for the foul and another $25,000 for using profanity in a postgame interview, clearing him to play in Friday’s play-in elimination game against the Orlando Magic.
“I didn’t think he needed to be penalized more moving forward. That wouldn’t make sense,” Spoelstra said after Miami’s season-ending meetings. “It was a dirty and dangerous play, but I don’t think he’s a dirty player.”
Adebayo left Tuesday’s contest with a lower-back contusion and did not return. The Heat star said Thursday he has yet to receive an apology from Ball: “At some point I’ll see him again and we’ll have that conversation.”
Because no foul was called during the play, Miami could not request a replay review. Referee Zach Zarba told a pool reporter that the league would investigate, a standard procedure for potential flagrant fouls.
Hornets coach Charles Lee expressed relief that Ball avoided suspension. “I think the league handed out something they deemed fair, and we’re glad we still have him for the next game,” Lee said before Charlotte’s flight to Orlando.
The incident was the second time Ball has grabbed Adebayo’s leg. In January 2024 at Miami, Ball tugged Adebayo’s leg during a transition play; Adebayo stumbled but did not fall.
The Heat were eliminated from postseason contention with Tuesday’s loss, dropping them out of the Eastern Conference play-in race.
Source: ESPN
